We took Drew to get his newborn pictures done today by one of ours friends who is an amazing photographer. It was a little bit of a drive as his studio is south east of Hartford, CT. But it was so worth it. The raw pictures we were shown were just amazing and I can't wait until his posts the proofs.
I ended up calling Drew's doctor today as he has had some eye crustiness. They are about 95% sure that he has a blocked tear duct. They did sent a culture to the lab just to be on the safe side. He was weighed today and he has gained almost a pound since his last appointment about a week and a half ago. He's now up to 6 pounds, 10.5 ounces! I guess I didn't have to worry about him not getting enough to eat.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
feeding issues
I've made the decision to switch to exclusively pumping and bottle feeding. After 2 weeks of struggling with breastfeeding where both Drew and I have gotten frustrated, it was time to try something new. It also didn't help that he was up for 2.5 hours this morning where he fed on and off for that whole period of time.
Mike was able to feed him not too long ago and he seemed much happier by the end opposed to when I try to breastfeed him. I'm glad that I have a dual electric pump that works very well. It'll also cut down on the time it takes to feed him. 15 minutes to pump plus 15-20 minutes to bottle feed him opposed to 30-40 minutes per side.
If anyone is looking for pictures, they can be found here: http://kames12.imgur.com
Mike was able to feed him not too long ago and he seemed much happier by the end opposed to when I try to breastfeed him. I'm glad that I have a dual electric pump that works very well. It'll also cut down on the time it takes to feed him. 15 minutes to pump plus 15-20 minutes to bottle feed him opposed to 30-40 minutes per side.
If anyone is looking for pictures, they can be found here: http://kames12.imgur.com
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
2 week post delivery appointment
My blood pressure is back to normal! 112/80, which is so much better than 2 weeks ago. They are checking me again next week to make sure that I'm completely back to normal. And not to completely brag, but I'm almost down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Which makes my theory that I was just retaining a ton of fluids more plausible as I'm not really swollen anymore.
I can drive again shortly, which I'm excited about. I need more nursing related attire since I only have 1 tank top and one shirt. I can't exercise for another 4 weeks and by exercise, I was told can start going on walks in about 4 weeks, maybe in another 2 but that might be pushing it. After everything that I went through 2 weeks ago, I'm fine with taking it easy.
I'm debating starting a new blog to document the life of Drew. If I do, I'll post the address here. If I do, it'll probably be a little more generic than just Drew but mainly focused around him.
We'll be able to send out birth announcements shortly as we're getting Drew's newborn photos taken really shortly. Mike and I haven't had any formal pictures of us taken since we were married. So it works out since we're close to our 5th year anniversary.
I can drive again shortly, which I'm excited about. I need more nursing related attire since I only have 1 tank top and one shirt. I can't exercise for another 4 weeks and by exercise, I was told can start going on walks in about 4 weeks, maybe in another 2 but that might be pushing it. After everything that I went through 2 weeks ago, I'm fine with taking it easy.
I'm debating starting a new blog to document the life of Drew. If I do, I'll post the address here. If I do, it'll probably be a little more generic than just Drew but mainly focused around him.
We'll be able to send out birth announcements shortly as we're getting Drew's newborn photos taken really shortly. Mike and I haven't had any formal pictures of us taken since we were married. So it works out since we're close to our 5th year anniversary.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Drew's birth story
I was put on modified bed rest on May 21st due to my blood pressure being really high. My number of appointments increased as well as adding weekly ultrasounds and non-stress tests (NSTs).
At my next appointment on Thursday, my blood pressure was sky high (150/96). They gave me the go ahead to drive home to pack. Mike was already home and had starting finishing putting the bags together. We got to the hospital around 5:45pm. My cervix was only 1cm dilated and was high. They started me on meds to reduce my blood pressure and also put me on magnesium sulfate. Within a few hours, they inserted a pill (forget the name) to try to dilate my cervix that way. About 5 hours later, my cervix was only 1.5cm.
They then decided to start Pitocin. I was having regular contractions but they weren’t being that productive. They also decided Friday morning to give me a Folly ball to help my cervix open that. The combination of the Pitocin and the Folly ball jump started the process and really started to dilate me. My water broke and the contractions started getting really intense. I eventually broke down and got an epidural. That allowed me to sleep for a few hours. When everything was all said and done, it only took about 30 minutes to push him out.
Drew was born at 9:36pm Friday (5/24) night. He weighed 6lbs 1oz and is 18.5 inches long. We’ve had some challenges with breastfeeding, but have been managing. I was officially diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. They kept me on the mag for 24 hours after he was born and they finally allowed me up Sunday morning.
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It has definitely been a transition but we absolutely love our little guy. The cats are slowly getting used to him and we are adjusting into our new normal.
At my next appointment on Thursday, my blood pressure was sky high (150/96). They gave me the go ahead to drive home to pack. Mike was already home and had starting finishing putting the bags together. We got to the hospital around 5:45pm. My cervix was only 1cm dilated and was high. They started me on meds to reduce my blood pressure and also put me on magnesium sulfate. Within a few hours, they inserted a pill (forget the name) to try to dilate my cervix that way. About 5 hours later, my cervix was only 1.5cm.
They then decided to start Pitocin. I was having regular contractions but they weren’t being that productive. They also decided Friday morning to give me a Folly ball to help my cervix open that. The combination of the Pitocin and the Folly ball jump started the process and really started to dilate me. My water broke and the contractions started getting really intense. I eventually broke down and got an epidural. That allowed me to sleep for a few hours. When everything was all said and done, it only took about 30 minutes to push him out.
Drew was born at 9:36pm Friday (5/24) night. He weighed 6lbs 1oz and is 18.5 inches long. We’ve had some challenges with breastfeeding, but have been managing. I was officially diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. They kept me on the mag for 24 hours after he was born and they finally allowed me up Sunday morning.
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It has definitely been a transition but we absolutely love our little guy. The cats are slowly getting used to him and we are adjusting into our new normal.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Drew is here
I'll post more details later since I've been kinda quiet. Drew was born Friday evening and he is an adorable little peanut
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
35 week appointment
Since I'm only 1 day away from 35 weeks, I'm comfortable with titling this post that way.
My appointment today went well. I'm only measuring about a half a week ahead now. So my OB thinks that he just had a really early growth spurt and has slowed down with growing for the moment. That works for me since I really don't want to birth a 9lb kid. My blood pressure looks good. His heart rate looks good. Things are moving right on track. Had my fun Group B Strep test today, which I should find out the results in a few days. If I test positive for it, it just means that I'll get antibiotics during labor.
Since I've basically hit the 35 week mark, it's time to start packing the hospital bags. I need to review the lists that I have made. Also need to wash the PJs that I bought for post delivery and wash the two potential outfits that he could wear home. I think the plan for this weekend is for Mike to install the car seat and bases into our cars so we have that all set. One less thing that we'll have to think about when we are racing to the hospital.
It's hard to believe that there is not much time left before we get to meet our little one.
My appointment today went well. I'm only measuring about a half a week ahead now. So my OB thinks that he just had a really early growth spurt and has slowed down with growing for the moment. That works for me since I really don't want to birth a 9lb kid. My blood pressure looks good. His heart rate looks good. Things are moving right on track. Had my fun Group B Strep test today, which I should find out the results in a few days. If I test positive for it, it just means that I'll get antibiotics during labor.
Since I've basically hit the 35 week mark, it's time to start packing the hospital bags. I need to review the lists that I have made. Also need to wash the PJs that I bought for post delivery and wash the two potential outfits that he could wear home. I think the plan for this weekend is for Mike to install the car seat and bases into our cars so we have that all set. One less thing that we'll have to think about when we are racing to the hospital.
It's hard to believe that there is not much time left before we get to meet our little one.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
33 week appointment
Went well. Blood pressure for me was really good. I've now gained about 25 pounds. The little one's heart rate was good. My NP didn't make any mention about if I'm still measuring 2 weeks ahead but I think I still am. I think it's now considered normal for me since everything is fine with him. Also got my tdap booster yesterday. And of course my arm still hurts which makes sleeping fun.
Just another 2 weeks and I'll be starting my weekly appointments. He's being more active lately. We play normally on my drive home. He pushed against the top of my belly, I push on his foot, he moves it and we begin again. He's definitely more active during specific periods of time.
I am definitely getting more uncomfortable though. I can sleep in this weekend though. And I'm pampering myself on Sunday by getting my nails done. We also finally found a temp to take over more of the admin side of my job. So I can stop stressing about that.
Next appointment is in 2 weeks.
Just another 2 weeks and I'll be starting my weekly appointments. He's being more active lately. We play normally on my drive home. He pushed against the top of my belly, I push on his foot, he moves it and we begin again. He's definitely more active during specific periods of time.
I am definitely getting more uncomfortable though. I can sleep in this weekend though. And I'm pampering myself on Sunday by getting my nails done. We also finally found a temp to take over more of the admin side of my job. So I can stop stressing about that.
Next appointment is in 2 weeks.
Friday, April 19, 2013
A knitted hat I ordered arrived!
On the birth month board (forum) that I occasionally post on, one of the women had a loss about halfway through her pregnancy. To cope with her grief, she started making hats for women on our board. Due to work, I wasn't able to post much around the time of her loss, so I didn't feel comfortable asking for one of the free hats. She did create an Etsy site and I purchased one for our little one.
The hat arrived today and it's adorable! I had some modeling help from Miss Ming, who wasn't pleased but tolerated it.
It has now been put in one of the bags of our Little One's stuff and I haven't decided if it is coming with us to the hospital or not.
If anyone wants to purchase one (either for us or another little one) her Etsy page is here: HensHats
The hat arrived today and it's adorable! I had some modeling help from Miss Ming, who wasn't pleased but tolerated it.
It has now been put in one of the bags of our Little One's stuff and I haven't decided if it is coming with us to the hospital or not.
If anyone wants to purchase one (either for us or another little one) her Etsy page is here: HensHats
Thursday, April 18, 2013
31 week appointment - 4/11
I've been a bit busy with work and the like to actually post an updated.
So last week we had our 31 week appointment, which also included an ultrasound to check on the little guy. He looks good, despite still measuring about 2 weeks ahead. My doctor thinks it's partly the way that I'm carrying him and partly because he also has a big head. I forget the actual percentile that was mentioned but he's ranging over the 50th. It was estimated that he was about 4 pounds last week. They are going to check in another month and give me a better estimate of what they believe his birth weight will be. Right now they are thinking definitely over 7 pounds but not exactly sure how much over. It's still early to tell.
But the good news is that he is already head down. I don't have (right now at least) worry about him being as stubborn as me (was breach for a majority of my mom's pregnancy).
Since we got an ultrasound, I got a few new pictures.
I'm definitely feeling him move more often. And he's gotten so much stronger. I was wincing in the car on my way home tonight with some of the jabs I was receiving. I can also now watch my stomach move with his movements.
It's kinda hard to believe that I have less than 8 weeks till my due date. A year ago, we were still trying to figure out exactly what was wrong and why we couldn't get pregnant on our own. I'll try to do better about updating after my appointments. My next one is next week (I've started the every 2 weeks routine and am not that far away from the every week appointments...).
So last week we had our 31 week appointment, which also included an ultrasound to check on the little guy. He looks good, despite still measuring about 2 weeks ahead. My doctor thinks it's partly the way that I'm carrying him and partly because he also has a big head. I forget the actual percentile that was mentioned but he's ranging over the 50th. It was estimated that he was about 4 pounds last week. They are going to check in another month and give me a better estimate of what they believe his birth weight will be. Right now they are thinking definitely over 7 pounds but not exactly sure how much over. It's still early to tell.
But the good news is that he is already head down. I don't have (right now at least) worry about him being as stubborn as me (was breach for a majority of my mom's pregnancy).
Since we got an ultrasound, I got a few new pictures.
Profile view!
Creepy face view
I'm definitely feeling him move more often. And he's gotten so much stronger. I was wincing in the car on my way home tonight with some of the jabs I was receiving. I can also now watch my stomach move with his movements.
It's kinda hard to believe that I have less than 8 weeks till my due date. A year ago, we were still trying to figure out exactly what was wrong and why we couldn't get pregnant on our own. I'll try to do better about updating after my appointments. My next one is next week (I've started the every 2 weeks routine and am not that far away from the every week appointments...).
Friday, April 5, 2013
L&D tour
We went on the labor and delivery tour on Wednesday night and also got to meet some of the doctors that might end up delivering our little one. Things are definitely a lot more real.
Both the delivery rooms and post delivery rooms are nice. Both are private! Both units locked. Mike commented that the post delivery rooms have a bit of a hotel feel to them.
It is still hard to believe after all the struggles we have gone through that in about 2 months our son will making his entrance into the world. I purchased an adorable hat for him to wear from a woman who lost her daughter around 20 weeks. She was also due in June and is on the same forums that I'm on regarding baby stuff. She turned to crafting and knitting to focus her grief and help her heal. The hats that have been sent to others on the board have been absolutely adorable! I'll post the link to her etsy site if anyone is interested later.
Also planning on going to pick out an outfit or two for our little one to wear home.
Both the delivery rooms and post delivery rooms are nice. Both are private! Both units locked. Mike commented that the post delivery rooms have a bit of a hotel feel to them.
It is still hard to believe after all the struggles we have gone through that in about 2 months our son will making his entrance into the world. I purchased an adorable hat for him to wear from a woman who lost her daughter around 20 weeks. She was also due in June and is on the same forums that I'm on regarding baby stuff. She turned to crafting and knitting to focus her grief and help her heal. The hats that have been sent to others on the board have been absolutely adorable! I'll post the link to her etsy site if anyone is interested later.
Also planning on going to pick out an outfit or two for our little one to wear home.
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